Baseball's Ben Niednagel Named to 2026 Brooks Wallace Award Watchlist
3/4/2026 9:23:00 AM | Baseball
OVERLAND PARK, Kans., - Senior shortstop Ben Niednagel was named to the Brooks Wallace Award Watchlist, as released by the College Baseball Foundation officials on Wednesday morning.
The award honors the nation's top shortstop and will be presented by the College Baseball Foundation later this year. It is named for former Texas Tech shortstop Brooks Wallace, who played for the Red Raiders from 1977 to 1980. Wallace died of leukemia at the age of 27.
Through the opening stretch of the season, Niednagel has emerged as a key contributor for the Falcons, delivering both at the plate and in the field. The senior ranks second on the team in batting average at .324 and owns a .459 slugging percentage, highlighted by two doubles, one home run, and five stolen bases.
Lockdown defense has defined Niednagel's play at shortstop. Starting all 11 games, the Santa Clarita, Calif., native has been perfect in the field, posting a team-best 1.000 fielding percentage among starters. He's recorded 17 putouts, 28 assists, and turned four double plays without an error to anchor the infield with reliability.
For the full watchlist, click here.
